Motorists traveling to and from the mainland via U.S. 1, also known as the 18-Mile Stretch, initially may not notice much of a traffic impact. On Monday, Aug. 26, a resurfacing project is scheduled to begin with a Florida Department of Transportation contractor mobilizing equipment and setting up.
But over the next year, drivers can expect periodic delays and detours onto Card Sound Road as FDOT repaves 4.4 miles of bumpy and lumpy potholed road between Jewfish Creek Bridge and the Miami-Dade county line, between MM 108.4 and 112.8. Temporary lane closures are expected during non-peak hours. Access to businesses and neighborhoods will be maintained.
Keys Weekly recently asked FDOT spokeswoman Tish Burgher what drivers should expect as this project gets rolling and what plans are in place should a hurricane threaten the Keys and prompt an evacuation. As locals are all too aware, there are only two ways off the island chain, the 18-Mile Stretch and Card Sound Road.
What kind of contingency plans are in place should a hurricane threaten the area?
FDOT: We expect work zone segments in this 4.4 miles to be only 2,000 LF (linear feet) during reconstruction operations and these can be backfilled to prepare for any evacuation orders.
What kind of delays or detours can drivers anticipate during the resurfacing process?
FDOT: Delays: travel times are expected to be delayed through the work zones as a result of reduced speed to 45 mph. Detours: we expect a total of 70 nighttime detours to Card Sound Road during non-peak days/nights.
The project was supposed to start in June; why was it delayed?
FDOT: The project start was postponed to provide the Florida Department of Transportation necessary time to analyze a revised plan proposed by the contractor to minimize effects on traffic during construction. The proposal is in the final stage of review.
What hours will crews be working? Will the majority of the work be done at night?
FDOT: We anticipate both daytime and nighttime construction operations depending on the work being performed. The majority of the paving operations will be done at night.
Is resurfacing the only work that will be done or will other improvements to that stretch of road be made as well?
FDOT: The improvements under this project include pavement reconstruction, milling and resurfacing, guardrail upgrades, signing and pavement markings, reconfiguring right turn lanes at three locations to accommodate bicyclists.
Burgher told Keys Weekly the resurfacing project is expected to cost $19 million and should be completed by Fall 2025.
FDOT is also developing a design for a $1.2 million landscape project between MM 108 and MM 112, which includes a portion of the stretch near what’s known as Bikini Beach. It’s an area where vehicles tend to slow down and cause more than a mile of traffic congestion, especially on weekends, to view boats, jet skis and swimmers at the small sandbar.
